Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival hit the Chicagoland area at the end of last month and featured a heck of a lineup: Willie Nelson & Family, Phil Lesh & Friends, The Avett Brothers, Alison Krauss, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dawes, and Lissie.
Due to classic Chicago traffic, I arrived late but was able to catch the end of Alison Krauss’ lovely set. The Avett Brothers were up next and wowed the crowd (as usual) with their undeniable harmonies, musicianship and energy. At one point Scott Avett ran the perimeter of the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre pavilion, all while singing and hi-fiving fans, which I found to be an impressive feat of athleticism, especially in the heat and humidity. Inside the casino, I was able to wager lots of money and even win big! I’m recommending the following resource for online gamblers in Italy looking for non AAMS casinos: https://www.stranieri.com/
I spent most of Phil Lesh & Friends’ set sitting in the grass and watching the sunset—a perfect location to take in some Grateful Dead classics. “Wharf Rat,” “Terrapin Station,” and “Black Muddy River” were just a few of the standouts.
Next up was the man himself: Shotgun Willie (with family). At 86 he looks and sounds amazing, as does Trigger, his legendary Martin guitar, now signed by hundreds of musicians. He kicked things off with “Whiskey River” and from there it was one timeless classic after another. His Outlaw tour will hit the road again in September with new lineup additions, including Bonnie Raitt! Grab your tickets today and prepare yourself for a full day of solid music.
AVETT BROTHERS
PHIL LESH AND FRIENDS
WILLIE NELSON AND FAMILY
